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The Leading Brain: Neuroscience Hacks to Work Smarter, Better, Happier
A cutting-edge guide to applying the latest research in brain science to leadership - to sharpen performance, encourage innovation, and enhance job satisfaction.**Featured on NPR, Success, Investor Business Daily, Thrive Global, MindBodyGreen, The Chicago Tribune, and more**There's a revolution taking place that most businesses are still unaware of. The understanding of how our brains work has radically shifted, exploding long-held myths about our everyday cognitive performance and fundamentally changing the way we engage and succeed in the workplace.Combining their expertise in both neuropsychology and management consulting, neuropsychologist Friederike Fabritius and leadership expert Dr. Hans W. Hagemann present simple yet powerful strategies Sharpening focus- Achieving the highest performance- Learning and retaining information more efficiently- Improving complex decision-making- Cultivating trust and building strong teamsBased on the authors' popular leadership programs, which have been delivered to tens of thousands of leaders all over the world, this clear, insightful, and engaging book will help both individuals and teams perform at their maximum potential, delivering extraordinary results.**Named a Best Business Book of 2017 by Strategy+Business**
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2018
342 people are currently reading
4048 people want to read
About the author
Friederike Fabritius
10 books19 followersNeuroscientist, Wall Street Journal bestselling author, and keynote speaker.
Friederike Fabritius, MS, is a neuroscientist and trailblazer in the field of neuroleadership. Her brain-based leadership programs have transformed how Fortune 500 executives think, innovate, and navigate change. Fabritius is a thought leader and keynote speaker, known for engaging global audiences at organizations like Google, Ernst & Young (EY), Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Adecco, Accenture, Deloitte, BMW, Bayer, SAP, Harvard Business Review, trivago, and Audi. An alumna of McKinsey & Company and the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, she serves on the prestigious German Academy of Science and Engineering.
Fabritius is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Brain-Friendly Workplace: Why Talented People Quit and How to Get Them to Stay and The Leading Brain: Neuroscience Hacks to Work Smarter, Better, Happier. She is fluent in six languages and has worked with clients in over 164 countries.
Friederike Fabritius, MS, is a neuroscientist and trailblazer in the field of neuroleadership. Her brain-based leadership programs have transformed how Fortune 500 executives think, innovate, and navigate change. Fabritius is a thought leader and keynote speaker, known for engaging global audiences at organizations like Google, Ernst & Young (EY), Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Adecco, Accenture, Deloitte, BMW, Bayer, SAP, Harvard Business Review, trivago, and Audi. An alumna of McKinsey & Company and the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, she serves on the prestigious German Academy of Science and Engineering.
Fabritius is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Brain-Friendly Workplace: Why Talented People Quit and How to Get Them to Stay and The Leading Brain: Neuroscience Hacks to Work Smarter, Better, Happier. She is fluent in six languages and has worked with clients in over 164 countries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
June 28, 2017
6 stars ✨❤️
If you're a mega nerd that loves brain fun facts and also a book that is actually an interesting read in regards to how your brain operates in peak conditions then this 📚
If you're a mega nerd that loves brain fun facts and also a book that is actually an interesting read in regards to how your brain operates in peak conditions then this 📚
Read
March 11, 2018A book for some neuroscience-based heuristics to reach better performance and understand psychology of other people to build a better team.
• There is a sweet spot of stress for peak performance. (experiment on bat under different amount of electrical shock to work out a maze showed sweet spots)
• Enough sleep is important so that the limbic system (emotion) doesn't take over. Sleep deprived people are 60% more likely to be emotion controlled.
• Habits: brain form energy-saving habits. So form good ones and curb bad ones.
• Intuition can be helpful too. In complex tasks perhaps you should rely on it more.
• Diverse personalities in a team. Four key types:
1. Explorer: risk taking, need stress, (dopamine) Need creative tasks.
2. Builder: steady, dependable, using cautious deliberation (serotonin) need their own schedule, don’t want surprise
3. Negotiator: excess empathy, great verbal skills and knack for knowing what others are thinking. (estrogen) need recognition
4. Director: competitive, pragmatic, hierarchical (testosterone) need to be in charge
• Brain reacts to social rejection similarly to physical pain. So keep an eye for team members suffering from related pain. Take time to form strong social bonds with each teammates.
Brain and team dynamics are both complex issues that it's hard to translate nuanced scientific findings into simple, memorizable action principles. So it's hard to judge whether these derived principles truly have unequivocal scientific underpinnings or they just reinforce prevailing group-think/new-age wisdom and justify them with relatable scientific experiment. For example, the notion that your peak performance is reached at a sweet spot between too little stress and too much stress is a concept that a reader of this book probably finds easy to accept to begin with. The scientific experiment of applying different electrical shock to bats solving a maze problem may or may not be a sound proof for this conclusion. You have to read the first-hand scientific report about that experiment. Maybe the difference is only slightly above noise level. What is the uncertainty of numerical results (time to solve maze)? Can we extrapolate electrical shock of bat to stress of human; and maze solving of bat to general problem solving of human? In other words, it's unclear how much certainty we have in the lab about bat to begin with and how much will remain by the time we move from the lab to everyday human practice.
• There is a sweet spot of stress for peak performance. (experiment on bat under different amount of electrical shock to work out a maze showed sweet spots)
• Enough sleep is important so that the limbic system (emotion) doesn't take over. Sleep deprived people are 60% more likely to be emotion controlled.
• Habits: brain form energy-saving habits. So form good ones and curb bad ones.
• Intuition can be helpful too. In complex tasks perhaps you should rely on it more.
• Diverse personalities in a team. Four key types:
1. Explorer: risk taking, need stress, (dopamine) Need creative tasks.
2. Builder: steady, dependable, using cautious deliberation (serotonin) need their own schedule, don’t want surprise
3. Negotiator: excess empathy, great verbal skills and knack for knowing what others are thinking. (estrogen) need recognition
4. Director: competitive, pragmatic, hierarchical (testosterone) need to be in charge
• Brain reacts to social rejection similarly to physical pain. So keep an eye for team members suffering from related pain. Take time to form strong social bonds with each teammates.
Brain and team dynamics are both complex issues that it's hard to translate nuanced scientific findings into simple, memorizable action principles. So it's hard to judge whether these derived principles truly have unequivocal scientific underpinnings or they just reinforce prevailing group-think/new-age wisdom and justify them with relatable scientific experiment. For example, the notion that your peak performance is reached at a sweet spot between too little stress and too much stress is a concept that a reader of this book probably finds easy to accept to begin with. The scientific experiment of applying different electrical shock to bats solving a maze problem may or may not be a sound proof for this conclusion. You have to read the first-hand scientific report about that experiment. Maybe the difference is only slightly above noise level. What is the uncertainty of numerical results (time to solve maze)? Can we extrapolate electrical shock of bat to stress of human; and maze solving of bat to general problem solving of human? In other words, it's unclear how much certainty we have in the lab about bat to begin with and how much will remain by the time we move from the lab to everyday human practice.
December 9, 2020
Like any good book should be, it answers difficult questions in simple words. A must read.
September 3, 2021
"Learning is an emotional process. Learning will only happen when you are emotionally involved - either positively or negatively. Without emotional relevance, your long- term prospects for retaining new information are greatly diminished."
January 31, 2020
This is a good, solid book for people new to the realm of non-fiction for business. As a more seasoned reader of this genre, I didn't learn many new things, but it was helpful to see so many areas of research and information linked together in one book. It tackles a wealth of topics: sleep, habits, building teams, fostering creativity, learning, and more. Plus, all of the science related to brain chemicals and how they operate and both affect and are affected by thoughts and behavior was interesting.
The stories and metaphors used to explain the concepts are clear and relatable and help this information stick in your mind, and I enjoyed the array of cute and nerdy jokes that break up the drier content. There are lots of tips for utilizing the information shared, and although much of the content was not new to me, I did have a few takeaways that I look forward trying out to improve my focus and productivity in striving for peak performance. Overall, a well-written and helpful book.
The stories and metaphors used to explain the concepts are clear and relatable and help this information stick in your mind, and I enjoyed the array of cute and nerdy jokes that break up the drier content. There are lots of tips for utilizing the information shared, and although much of the content was not new to me, I did have a few takeaways that I look forward trying out to improve my focus and productivity in striving for peak performance. Overall, a well-written and helpful book.
December 28, 2024
Polecam. Fajnie napisana. DNA - dopamina, noradrenalina i acetylocholina to 3 neurotransmitery których stymulacja i programowanie pomaga efektywnie i skutecznie realizować zadania. Nie będę dalej spoilerować. Warta przeczytania!
May 5, 2018
The book started and finished strongly, with enough interesting insights grounder by neuropsychology peppered throughout to keep me engaged.
The topics I found most fascinating, that may prompt others to pick up the book include:
- the topic of peak performance requires. It was fascinating to learn that we each require stress at optimal levels if we are to perform at our peak, depending on each persons testosterone level
- the role of sleep on peak performance and brain function
- the role of our primitive limbic system is responding to danger, and what constitutes as a trigger for ‘danger’ in these modern times.
- the biological anthropologists four key personality types and the corresponding recommendations for leaders, I’m going to go back and reread this section it was that interesting.
- the impact of social rejection on our brain, and therefore our performance. It made me reflect on how I can better support my child as he navigates the inevitable peaks and trophs of the school yard.
The books key message was one for leaders. It encouraged leaders not to get caught up in leadership fads, but to instead, take the time to understand the science of neuropsychology and better understand how our brain function (and therefore the corresponding triggers) impact our optimal performance levels. Very cool.
If any of that appeals, you’ll enjoy this book.
The topics I found most fascinating, that may prompt others to pick up the book include:
- the topic of peak performance requires. It was fascinating to learn that we each require stress at optimal levels if we are to perform at our peak, depending on each persons testosterone level
- the role of sleep on peak performance and brain function
- the role of our primitive limbic system is responding to danger, and what constitutes as a trigger for ‘danger’ in these modern times.
- the biological anthropologists four key personality types and the corresponding recommendations for leaders, I’m going to go back and reread this section it was that interesting.
- the impact of social rejection on our brain, and therefore our performance. It made me reflect on how I can better support my child as he navigates the inevitable peaks and trophs of the school yard.
The books key message was one for leaders. It encouraged leaders not to get caught up in leadership fads, but to instead, take the time to understand the science of neuropsychology and better understand how our brain function (and therefore the corresponding triggers) impact our optimal performance levels. Very cool.
If any of that appeals, you’ll enjoy this book.
June 16, 2019
Well written and interesting, a "serious book" compared to the pletora of "self-help brain related" books that are sold by dozens right now. It even made leadership, which is by far not one of my favorite topic, interesting, just to let you know.....
Ben scritto ed interessante, un libro "serio" finalmente, paragonata alla marea di libri di auto aiuto che mettono assieme prestazioni e cervello senza avere il minimo fondamento scientifico e che attualmente vendono tantissimo...
Ben scritto ed interessante, un libro "serio" finalmente, paragonata alla marea di libri di auto aiuto che mettono assieme prestazioni e cervello senza avere il minimo fondamento scientifico e che attualmente vendono tantissimo...
July 1, 2017
One of the subjects of recent investigations into how the brain works has been the focus of educators on using this knowledge to increase student learning and retention of knowledge. The focus of The Leading Brain: Powerful Science-Based Strategies for Achieving Peak Performance takes study of the brain in a different direction. In business, learning about peak performance of the brain can help business leaders understand and direct their business with a knowledge of how the brain functions and relates in the business setting. This can lead to increased performance, retention of information important to business transactions and acceptance of individual differences in how people approach their work situations. Understanding how the brain works and how differences are a factor in peak performance gives business leaders new insight into the work force and ways to increase productivity.
I want to thank Goodreads First Reads Giveaway and Freiderike Fabritius and Hans Werner Hagemann, authors for the copy of The Leading Brain: Powerful Science-Based Strategies for Achieving Peak Performance that I won in the Giveaway.
I want to thank Goodreads First Reads Giveaway and Freiderike Fabritius and Hans Werner Hagemann, authors for the copy of The Leading Brain: Powerful Science-Based Strategies for Achieving Peak Performance that I won in the Giveaway.
February 25, 2019
Multitasking is a voluntary distraction. True Multitasking is, which relies entirely on the prefrontal cortex, is impossible. Although it takes just a few seconds to shift from one task to another and than back to the original task requires an average of 23 minutes to get fully an back on track. Instead of multitasking make Mindfulness a habit. (daily Meditation)
When it comes to managing habit, it is important to put your heart into it. Our brain is naturally averse to changes(changing habits, establishing new habits). Inside the brain, change is like its enemy. Take small steps. You need to keep the new habit in your conscious mind until it catches up with and eventually overtakes the old unconscious routine.
Learning is an emotional process. Without emotional relevance, your long-term prospects for retaining new information are greatly diminished. The strongest impressions are first impressions.
What type of person are you (Builder, Explorer, Director or Negotiator)? Why are on that team? Scarf: Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness and Fairness. << Talent and Flow<<
When it comes to managing habit, it is important to put your heart into it. Our brain is naturally averse to changes(changing habits, establishing new habits). Inside the brain, change is like its enemy. Take small steps. You need to keep the new habit in your conscious mind until it catches up with and eventually overtakes the old unconscious routine.
Learning is an emotional process. Without emotional relevance, your long-term prospects for retaining new information are greatly diminished. The strongest impressions are first impressions.
What type of person are you (Builder, Explorer, Director or Negotiator)? Why are on that team? Scarf: Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness and Fairness. << Talent and Flow<<
September 11, 2021
Our brain is quite complicated and as of today it is not fully understood how it works. Some of our behaviors, however, can be explained by neuroscience and if we know the scientific background it is easier to for us to adjust our behavior to a more desirable one.
I found the book more prescriptive than explanatory. Having immersed myself in books and papers about neuroscience already, I also found it a bit superficial. So if you want to understand the human behavior from a neuroscientific perspective, I would rather recommend "Behave" from Robert Sapolsky (although he focuses on bad /violent behavior).
If you want to scratch the surface only, and you are content with some recommendations (not all being corroborated by neuroscience, but still valid) the book is ok.
I found the book more prescriptive than explanatory. Having immersed myself in books and papers about neuroscience already, I also found it a bit superficial. So if you want to understand the human behavior from a neuroscientific perspective, I would rather recommend "Behave" from Robert Sapolsky (although he focuses on bad /violent behavior).
If you want to scratch the surface only, and you are content with some recommendations (not all being corroborated by neuroscience, but still valid) the book is ok.
March 12, 2025
As a neuroscience nerd it was a delight to find alternatives to Maslow's hierarchy, the MBTI and other pop psychology leadership tools. If you lead teams, you should probably read this.
April 30, 2017
The latest in neural science applied to leadership is my kind of book. The authors recognized how the leadership market is so ready for these new science-based insights about decision making, personal growth and influence. The field of neuropsychology is rapidly progressing. We used to postulate and then wait to observe behavior. Now scientists can postulate and watch the brain at work immediately. Get ready to re-learn how leaders must think. The venerable darlings to drop include Maslow's Pyramid and the 10,000-hour rule. What replaces them are dozens of usable discoveries. For example, our movement can be a leadership practice, because it affects how we actually think and it can help others to learn from what they see. The concept of flow is prevalent in several sections, including how to achieve it as an individual and again as a team. This book reads fast and is worth the investment of time. Handy summaries at the end of each chapter will enable a quick refresher on any of the nine topics
March 12, 2018
Having seen the plethora of "self-help" and productivity-inducing books flying off the shelves these days, I became numb to all the catchy slogans and taglines each one claims to use as their stepping stone to perfection.
The Leading Brain is the first book I've read in a long time which makes basic sense. Rather than giving you actions to carry-out to become more productive, this book teaches you how/why we behave we do from a scientific perspective. Personally, this approach felt far more effective.
As the author mentions in their work "trust your intuition". Mine says that this book has gotten it right.
The Leading Brain is the first book I've read in a long time which makes basic sense. Rather than giving you actions to carry-out to become more productive, this book teaches you how/why we behave we do from a scientific perspective. Personally, this approach felt far more effective.
As the author mentions in their work "trust your intuition". Mine says that this book has gotten it right.
January 1, 2024
All things you've heard from self development youtuber is explained in neuroscience way!
If you're skeptical about those so called productivity tips you see often, I beg you to read this book because it explains everything through neuroscience!
If you're skeptical about those so called productivity tips you see often, I beg you to read this book because it explains everything through neuroscience!
April 4, 2020
The Leading Brain - Powerful Science Based Strategies for Achieving Peak Performance
“Choices are made with goals in mind, goals are attached to our reward systems, each decision (no matter how trivial) has an emotional component”
I’ve got a confession to make, I have a neuroscience addiction. Put “neuroscience” on anything and I’m in. This is a brave new world for our understanding of the human mind and it is neuroscience that is directing the stage lights. It’s the shiny new thing in the world of performance, thinking and decisions and we all love shiny new things.
The conclusions that are being drawn from the current neuroscientific studies tell us that there is a lot offered here and we should be paying attention. This is where The Leading Brain comes in. Friederike Fabritus and Hans W. Hagemann have compiled their research in brain science and it applied to better leadership. That is the goal of this book. To get leaders to understand how the brain can be optimized so they and their underlings can perform better. But if you’re not interested in leadership don’t let that put you off reading this book. (I have a sneaking suspicion that Hans is no fool, his work with the Munich Leadership Group is about organizational cultural transformation programs, he knows where his interests and the money intersect).
The Leading Brain will guide the reader through the inner workings of their brain. It’s parts and processes. Explain the benefits of emotional regulation (this is big for performance and decision making) share ideas that impact your ability to focus, learn, decide, make and break habits, as well as so much more.
It also achieves the goal it set out to by providing a comprehensive explanation of how neuroscientific principals can impact leadership, team building and development.
What is surprising about The Leading Brain is how much ground it covers and how much of it is applicable and actionable. I found the ideas presented around teaching especially intriguing. Concepts around finding the right amount of novelty, summarizing, subject and topic flipping, structure and the implementation of multi-modal learning and lesson structure are all impactful.
“If information is not threatening or rewarding it is discarded”
The Leading Brain does not stop there, however. Want to get a hold of a neuroscientific look at the decision-making process. That’s in there. How about a look into the brain and creative insights? Check. Maybe goal setting? Use of your unconscious mind? Habit formation? It’s all in here.
At the end of the day, there are a holy ton of books out there for you to read and only so much time to do it in. If you are interested in how the brain works and how you can apply this knowledge to self-improvement, this is a worthy read.
Overall Score: 4.3 / 5
In a sentence: a sweeping tour of how the brain works and how you might use it more effectively
“Choices are made with goals in mind, goals are attached to our reward systems, each decision (no matter how trivial) has an emotional component”
I’ve got a confession to make, I have a neuroscience addiction. Put “neuroscience” on anything and I’m in. This is a brave new world for our understanding of the human mind and it is neuroscience that is directing the stage lights. It’s the shiny new thing in the world of performance, thinking and decisions and we all love shiny new things.
The conclusions that are being drawn from the current neuroscientific studies tell us that there is a lot offered here and we should be paying attention. This is where The Leading Brain comes in. Friederike Fabritus and Hans W. Hagemann have compiled their research in brain science and it applied to better leadership. That is the goal of this book. To get leaders to understand how the brain can be optimized so they and their underlings can perform better. But if you’re not interested in leadership don’t let that put you off reading this book. (I have a sneaking suspicion that Hans is no fool, his work with the Munich Leadership Group is about organizational cultural transformation programs, he knows where his interests and the money intersect).
The Leading Brain will guide the reader through the inner workings of their brain. It’s parts and processes. Explain the benefits of emotional regulation (this is big for performance and decision making) share ideas that impact your ability to focus, learn, decide, make and break habits, as well as so much more.
It also achieves the goal it set out to by providing a comprehensive explanation of how neuroscientific principals can impact leadership, team building and development.
What is surprising about The Leading Brain is how much ground it covers and how much of it is applicable and actionable. I found the ideas presented around teaching especially intriguing. Concepts around finding the right amount of novelty, summarizing, subject and topic flipping, structure and the implementation of multi-modal learning and lesson structure are all impactful.
“If information is not threatening or rewarding it is discarded”
The Leading Brain does not stop there, however. Want to get a hold of a neuroscientific look at the decision-making process. That’s in there. How about a look into the brain and creative insights? Check. Maybe goal setting? Use of your unconscious mind? Habit formation? It’s all in here.
At the end of the day, there are a holy ton of books out there for you to read and only so much time to do it in. If you are interested in how the brain works and how you can apply this knowledge to self-improvement, this is a worthy read.
Overall Score: 4.3 / 5
In a sentence: a sweeping tour of how the brain works and how you might use it more effectively
September 21, 2020
While generally well written, the book fails to live-up towards the second half of the book. On the positive side: (1) the book is written for those with zero background knowledge, (2) the concepts are delivered in story form for easier absorption, and (3) there are summaries at the end of each chapter for key concepts. However, on the negative side: (1) the discussion over our subconscious mind was over explained with little substance. it was a huge drag to read through. (2) given that I am into self-improvement content, this book offers not much new content and becomes increasingly boring as you progress deeper. (3) The last part which is supposed to apply the 'neuroscience' concepts discussed to leadership and in corporate culture brings back traumatic memories from abuse. Here are my new learnings on a per chapter basis.
Part 1: Reaching your peak
Chapter 1 - Find your sweet spot
1. There is a sweet spot for stimulation/arousal for peak performance
2. This sweet spot varies between people. Some need more, some need less. Both can be successful
3. Too much stimulation/arousal = stressed out
4. too little stimulation/arousal = bored
5. Neurotransmitters involved: dopamine, noradrenaline or norepinephrine,acetylcholine
5.1 dopamine - novelty. you should be having fun and the experience feels rewarding
5.2 noradrenaline - attention/alertness. feel slightly over challenged "this is tricky but I can do this"
5.3 acetylcholine - focus/learning. how to trigger: conscious effort to pay attention, physical exercise, exposed to something important/surprising/novel (dopamine)
6. Factors that affect the location of the sweet spot: gender, genetics, age, environment, experience
6.1 gender - men have more testosterone. More testosterone = need more stimulation/arousal
6.2 genetics - how active are your dopamine receptors and how well you respond to stress
6.3 age - older = testosterone drop = need less stimulation/arousal
6.4 environment - high/low pressure world
6.5 experience - more experience needs more stimulation/arousal. can handle more stress.
7. Performance level inventory - every 90, if you're feeling bored, uninspired or apathetic, note L for low performance. If you're feeling overstressed, note H for high. If performing at peak, note P.
8. Location - find an environment that matches your performance profile.
9. Don't overwork. Being high performance state all the time is detrimental; being in a high performance state when it counts is a winning strategy.
Chapter 2: Regulate your emotions.
1. Emotions cause most of our problems
1.1 emotional outburst that everyone notices
1.2 hold on to negative emotions which cause harm in the long term and subconsciously
2. Best way to regulate emotions is to get good sleep. Without sleep, the brain's amygdala (flight or flight) shifts into high gear.
3. Exercise to flush-out cortisol
4. Nature exposure
5. Eat nutritious food
6. Lead your body/botox effect - if you do a fake smile, you will exhibit behaviors as good as actual smiling
7. Hugs
8. Deep breathing - slowly inhale and exhale through your nose and mouth respectively
9. Progressive muscle relaxation - move muscle groups systematically and feel what is stressed
10. Autogenic training - train yourself to be relaxed with a specific object, then go to that object when you feel stressed
11. think in a more positive outlook but must be believable otherwise the effect is going to be worse
12. express gratitude (3-5 daily)
13. build on your successes -- Self-efficacy is the belief that you have control over your life and outcomes
13.1 draw on your previous triumphs
13.2 compare yourself favorably to your peers
13.3 gain support from someone you respect
13.4 if you feel good then you can do it
14. approach tasks as challenges than as threats
15. Impostor syndrome happens when you aren't able to account for your previous successes.
16. Simply labeling something can reduce stress
Chapter 3: Sharpen your focus
1.Neurotransmitters that enable focus are double edged swords.
2. Noradrenaline is looking out for unusual activities. Acetylcholine targets on the activities' location and identity. Dopamine determines what you want to do with it.
3. You can count on noradrenaline to get your attention but not to maintain it.
4. Distractions are handled by the limbic system of the brain (potential threats/rewards real or imagined)
5. Best way to sharpen focus is to eliminate distractors and cultivate skills that encourage it
6. Resisting distractions take mental effort that drains your cognitive resources and is not effective at all in suppressing the limbic system
7. Multitasking is bad for the same reason as provided in #6.
8. Strategies for staying focused.
8.1 prepare for each new task. settle yourself and focus
8.2 Find some fun in what you're doing.
8.3 eliminate potential distractions from the very start.
8.4 establish concentration time.
8.5 work in manageable blocks of time
8.6 use your brain wisely. music is best for repetitive tasks but not for tasks that require high cognitive load.
8.7 keep email habit under control. (turn-off notifications)
9. Calming a restless mind
9.1 focus on happiness - the more enjoyable the activity the less it is accompanied by a wandering mind.
9.2 cultivate mindfulness
9.2.1 Stop Take a breath Observe Proceed (STOP)
9.2.2 stay quiet / pause. speak when you have to. this allows information to be digested
10. Get to flow state - pinnacle of performance
Part 2: Changing your brain
Chapter 4: Manage habits
1. Changing habits involve 3 things: (1) goal setting and motivation, (2) getting started, and (3) staying on track.
2. goals must be tied to emotion.
2.1 goal must be specific, personal, and written down.
2.2 visualize step by step process in completing the goal like an emergency drill
2.2.1 positive expectation - you don't simply feel that you can do it, you also know how to do it.
3. getting started
3.1 KAIZEN one step at a time (small questions, small thoughts, small actions, small problems, small rewards, small moments)
4. staying on track
4.1 habit stacking (if/then or when/then plans)
4.2 SMART goals
4.3 routine
4.4 Describe - Distract - Delay
4.4.1 describe the habit
4.4.2 momentarily divert your attention from your original compulsion.
Chapter 5: Unleash your subconscious
1.Intuition is better that rational decision making
2. Expert intuition is the product of accumulated expertise and practice.
3. Intuition operates by combining past experience with external cues to arrive at a decision on the unconscious level and then is interpreted by a body response that we commonly refer to as a "gut feeling"
4. intuition can also be creative insights
5. Optimal conditions for rational processing: quiet corner, minimize distractions, concentrate on the problem, solve the problem step by step
6. Creating the aha moment
6.1 make it fun
6.2 remove restrictions from rules
6.3 enter focused and diffused mode
6.4 be mindful of what you're feeling
6.5 defer judfement - do not speak/talk
Chapter 6: Foster learning
1. learning is an emotional process
1.1 if it what you're learning has no emotional connection you will eventually forget it.
2. learn with the company of others
Part 3: Building Dream Teams
i'm gonna stop here as I no longer enjoyed this part. it was rather too general in the sense of personality tests.
Part 1: Reaching your peak
Chapter 1 - Find your sweet spot
1. There is a sweet spot for stimulation/arousal for peak performance
2. This sweet spot varies between people. Some need more, some need less. Both can be successful
3. Too much stimulation/arousal = stressed out
4. too little stimulation/arousal = bored
5. Neurotransmitters involved: dopamine, noradrenaline or norepinephrine,acetylcholine
5.1 dopamine - novelty. you should be having fun and the experience feels rewarding
5.2 noradrenaline - attention/alertness. feel slightly over challenged "this is tricky but I can do this"
5.3 acetylcholine - focus/learning. how to trigger: conscious effort to pay attention, physical exercise, exposed to something important/surprising/novel (dopamine)
6. Factors that affect the location of the sweet spot: gender, genetics, age, environment, experience
6.1 gender - men have more testosterone. More testosterone = need more stimulation/arousal
6.2 genetics - how active are your dopamine receptors and how well you respond to stress
6.3 age - older = testosterone drop = need less stimulation/arousal
6.4 environment - high/low pressure world
6.5 experience - more experience needs more stimulation/arousal. can handle more stress.
7. Performance level inventory - every 90, if you're feeling bored, uninspired or apathetic, note L for low performance. If you're feeling overstressed, note H for high. If performing at peak, note P.
8. Location - find an environment that matches your performance profile.
9. Don't overwork. Being high performance state all the time is detrimental; being in a high performance state when it counts is a winning strategy.
Chapter 2: Regulate your emotions.
1. Emotions cause most of our problems
1.1 emotional outburst that everyone notices
1.2 hold on to negative emotions which cause harm in the long term and subconsciously
2. Best way to regulate emotions is to get good sleep. Without sleep, the brain's amygdala (flight or flight) shifts into high gear.
3. Exercise to flush-out cortisol
4. Nature exposure
5. Eat nutritious food
6. Lead your body/botox effect - if you do a fake smile, you will exhibit behaviors as good as actual smiling
7. Hugs
8. Deep breathing - slowly inhale and exhale through your nose and mouth respectively
9. Progressive muscle relaxation - move muscle groups systematically and feel what is stressed
10. Autogenic training - train yourself to be relaxed with a specific object, then go to that object when you feel stressed
11. think in a more positive outlook but must be believable otherwise the effect is going to be worse
12. express gratitude (3-5 daily)
13. build on your successes -- Self-efficacy is the belief that you have control over your life and outcomes
13.1 draw on your previous triumphs
13.2 compare yourself favorably to your peers
13.3 gain support from someone you respect
13.4 if you feel good then you can do it
14. approach tasks as challenges than as threats
15. Impostor syndrome happens when you aren't able to account for your previous successes.
16. Simply labeling something can reduce stress
Chapter 3: Sharpen your focus
1.Neurotransmitters that enable focus are double edged swords.
2. Noradrenaline is looking out for unusual activities. Acetylcholine targets on the activities' location and identity. Dopamine determines what you want to do with it.
3. You can count on noradrenaline to get your attention but not to maintain it.
4. Distractions are handled by the limbic system of the brain (potential threats/rewards real or imagined)
5. Best way to sharpen focus is to eliminate distractors and cultivate skills that encourage it
6. Resisting distractions take mental effort that drains your cognitive resources and is not effective at all in suppressing the limbic system
7. Multitasking is bad for the same reason as provided in #6.
8. Strategies for staying focused.
8.1 prepare for each new task. settle yourself and focus
8.2 Find some fun in what you're doing.
8.3 eliminate potential distractions from the very start.
8.4 establish concentration time.
8.5 work in manageable blocks of time
8.6 use your brain wisely. music is best for repetitive tasks but not for tasks that require high cognitive load.
8.7 keep email habit under control. (turn-off notifications)
9. Calming a restless mind
9.1 focus on happiness - the more enjoyable the activity the less it is accompanied by a wandering mind.
9.2 cultivate mindfulness
9.2.1 Stop Take a breath Observe Proceed (STOP)
9.2.2 stay quiet / pause. speak when you have to. this allows information to be digested
10. Get to flow state - pinnacle of performance
Part 2: Changing your brain
Chapter 4: Manage habits
1. Changing habits involve 3 things: (1) goal setting and motivation, (2) getting started, and (3) staying on track.
2. goals must be tied to emotion.
2.1 goal must be specific, personal, and written down.
2.2 visualize step by step process in completing the goal like an emergency drill
2.2.1 positive expectation - you don't simply feel that you can do it, you also know how to do it.
3. getting started
3.1 KAIZEN one step at a time (small questions, small thoughts, small actions, small problems, small rewards, small moments)
4. staying on track
4.1 habit stacking (if/then or when/then plans)
4.2 SMART goals
4.3 routine
4.4 Describe - Distract - Delay
4.4.1 describe the habit
4.4.2 momentarily divert your attention from your original compulsion.
Chapter 5: Unleash your subconscious
1.Intuition is better that rational decision making
2. Expert intuition is the product of accumulated expertise and practice.
3. Intuition operates by combining past experience with external cues to arrive at a decision on the unconscious level and then is interpreted by a body response that we commonly refer to as a "gut feeling"
4. intuition can also be creative insights
5. Optimal conditions for rational processing: quiet corner, minimize distractions, concentrate on the problem, solve the problem step by step
6. Creating the aha moment
6.1 make it fun
6.2 remove restrictions from rules
6.3 enter focused and diffused mode
6.4 be mindful of what you're feeling
6.5 defer judfement - do not speak/talk
Chapter 6: Foster learning
1. learning is an emotional process
1.1 if it what you're learning has no emotional connection you will eventually forget it.
2. learn with the company of others
Part 3: Building Dream Teams
i'm gonna stop here as I no longer enjoyed this part. it was rather too general in the sense of personality tests.
July 4, 2019
This was an absolutely phenomenal book! I got the recommendation to read it and was able to borrow it from my brother-in-law, and I'm sure glad I listened! First of all, yes, this book has research, reports, and all of that fun stuff in it, however it's presented in a SUPER readable and enjoyable format. I enjoyed this book SO much that I'm definitely going to get myself my own copy and even recommend our staff read it at some point.
It was refreshing to read about the science and research being explored on our brains and what all they do. In fact, there was so many helpful pieces of information in this book that I found myself writing notes on what I was reading so I wouldn't forget and I'd be able to share with others whenever opportunities arise.
I would certainly recommend this book for anyone looking to read a 'leadership' book, but also to anyone just looking to read something that will help you live a healthier life. This book will help you understand why your brain (and body) react they way they do to certain things around, as well as provide practical suggestions on how to the improve and overcome the situations and factors you can control around you.
Do yourself a favor and grab a copy to read! It's certainly informative, entertaining, and it reads fast!
It was refreshing to read about the science and research being explored on our brains and what all they do. In fact, there was so many helpful pieces of information in this book that I found myself writing notes on what I was reading so I wouldn't forget and I'd be able to share with others whenever opportunities arise.
I would certainly recommend this book for anyone looking to read a 'leadership' book, but also to anyone just looking to read something that will help you live a healthier life. This book will help you understand why your brain (and body) react they way they do to certain things around, as well as provide practical suggestions on how to the improve and overcome the situations and factors you can control around you.
Do yourself a favor and grab a copy to read! It's certainly informative, entertaining, and it reads fast!
June 17, 2021
In many way a well-written, accessible and interesting read. Definitely worth the time. The one real criticism is the underlying smugness typical of those who think that somehow, their belief (I used the word advisedly) that the premises upon which the scientific world view is based are somehow more, well, scientific and less 'belief', then those upon which metaphysics are based. While I think there are more sophisticated human behaviour models than Myers-Briggs, these tolls are effective in describing and exploring behaviour. Fabritius and Hagemann seem to suggest that, in demonstrating the neuroscience at work, they have supplanted an inferior analytical tool with a superior, scientific one. There are two reasons why they really haven't. The first is that access to the means of undertaking the neurological analysis is extremely limited - as a tool of analysis it just isn't very practical. More importantly, at the level of how we create and transfer knowledge, what they have done is scientifically verify the validity of human behaviour models. Definitely read the book, but don't throw out the baby with the bathwater.
May 23, 2021
The content of this book is like taking one of those tours of Europe where one visits ten countries in two weeks - it covers a lot of ground but does not necessarily dwell on any topic long enough to provide a thorough understanding. The conceit or underlying theme of the book is the impact of neuroscience on leadership behavior. The book examines a number of neuroscience related topics then discusses potential leadership implications including advice regarding how to implement the concept then quickly moving onto the next subject.
I found the book quite readable and i found the information to be good food for thought, even though I don’t agree with everything presented (e.g., some of the views on talent seems muddy).
I really liked the used of chapter summaries. I imagine going back to those on a regular basis to think about topics.
I found the book quite readable and i found the information to be good food for thought, even though I don’t agree with everything presented (e.g., some of the views on talent seems muddy).
I really liked the used of chapter summaries. I imagine going back to those on a regular basis to think about topics.
May 17, 2019
This is an excellent. The leading brain provides a scientific looks at how our brains works and how we can leverage an understanding of our brains capabilities to ultimately achieve peak performance. Unlike most books on success and self develop this one is based in science which I found refreshing. The scientific verbiage can become challenging and you can easily get lost in the details. But push through any boredom or lack of interest that may creep in. The points they make are solid and concrete. Understanding neuroscience takes drive, focus and motivation to the next level. You won’t be an expert by any means, but you will have some proven methods to better yourself that are based in fact versus opinion.
February 2, 2020
A synthesis of many discoveries about the brain and a to do list of actions to improve oneself. Both as an individual and as a leader.
Talent is critical. Training not so much but deliberate practice is. Learning throughout your life is ultra important. Keeping fit is essential. Adequate sleep is necessary for successful brain work. Multi tasking is wrong. Keep a sharp focus on whatever you do. Mindfulness will make you more efficient.
These are some of the truisms that are talked about. Even though one has heard about all these, having them neatly structured with scientific assertions makes this an enjoyable read.
Talent is critical. Training not so much but deliberate practice is. Learning throughout your life is ultra important. Keeping fit is essential. Adequate sleep is necessary for successful brain work. Multi tasking is wrong. Keep a sharp focus on whatever you do. Mindfulness will make you more efficient.
These are some of the truisms that are talked about. Even though one has heard about all these, having them neatly structured with scientific assertions makes this an enjoyable read.
March 28, 2021
Wlle executed and some worthwhile new insights below
Stress Goldilocks zone for performance is lower for women than men and old then young
Sleep is the key de-stressant
Habits are 45% of our day, triggered by cues
92% of New Year resolutions unmet
Intuition is real
4 Personality Types: succes takes all 4
EXPLORER, needs to be stressed-dopamine-need change
BUILDER cautious deliberation serotoning-need autonomy
NEGOTIATOR empathy/verbal-estrogen - need recognition
DIRECTOR competitive -pragmatic-decisive testosterone-need clear hierarchy
Switch workspace per task to signal to self change of context
Stress Goldilocks zone for performance is lower for women than men and old then young
Sleep is the key de-stressant
Habits are 45% of our day, triggered by cues
92% of New Year resolutions unmet
Intuition is real
4 Personality Types: succes takes all 4
EXPLORER, needs to be stressed-dopamine-need change
BUILDER cautious deliberation serotoning-need autonomy
NEGOTIATOR empathy/verbal-estrogen - need recognition
DIRECTOR competitive -pragmatic-decisive testosterone-need clear hierarchy
Switch workspace per task to signal to self change of context
June 7, 2023
Friederike Fabritus and Hans W. Hagemann have compiled their research in brain science and applied it to becoming a better leader. The goal of this book is to teach and instruct leaders different techniques on optimizing the brain of themselves and their employees, collectively elevating them to a state of flow or peak performance. I really enjoyed how they guided the reader through the inner workings of the brain, explaining all the parts and process of each individuals wiring and why that wiring has come to be.
4/5 stars!
4/5 stars!
July 15, 2018
A very thorough look at how one can change thier habits and thinking to improve performance in whatever they are doing. At times the book is hard to follow due to the in depth analysis provided but it is wee worth the effort to finish. I will use this text as a ready reference for continuing research; from the Peak performance curve to the social interaction model. This text is definitely one to keep close at hand and revisit often.
July 20, 2018
This is one of the best leadership books I’ve read. Perhaps it’s because it’s not just someone’s theories or ideas, but based on scientific evidence of the chemicals that create certain emotions and reactions in us. I’ll be keeping this one very nearby and implementing it in my leadership style piece by piece and reaction by reaction. Nakedly revealing but a necessary read for anyone in the workplace, whether currently or aspiring to be in a leadership position.
February 25, 2019
I really loved this book. I bought the audiobook and finished it in an overnight drive. The information was extensive, yet, easy to follow as real life assets were added. The chapters are concise and the details are handy. I've taken some notes on the subject matters regarding how to build a successful team and how to acknowledge the different thought processing aspects. I found The Leading Brain to be very helpful. Every new small business owner or entrepreneur should read this as a start.
September 16, 2019
Why do I think like this? How can I develop and optimize my performance at work? On stage? At home? Learn about yourself and others by way of neuroscientific facts compiled into useful info packets, with several anecdotes illustrating and driving points home. Fascinating, and very easy-reading despite the complex subject. Recommended for anyone with a brain, and willing to use it more efficiently!
November 24, 2019
Every chapter is intriguing and interesting once I start it. I am able to get a scientific perspective and also a philosophical sense. The book helps to understand ourselves better and also suggests scientific and psychological ways to treat people around us. I feel it is suited for people irrespective of their positions or occupation. If you are a manager or leader, you can immediately experiment the Third section of the book. Worth reading!
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